Vernon Charles “Bubba” Phillips

https://www.an17.com/obituaries/vernon-charles-bubba-phillips/article_6b8d6fb8-f175-11ee-8f5a-67448829184a.html

I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,

Philippians 3:10

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s focus our prayers on knowing Christ better.

Do we need to study our Sunday School lessons deeper?

Do we need to rewatch our church services or watch those of other churches?

Do we need to spend much more time on Bible study?

Do we need to study more Christian books explaining the Bible?

Do we need to take a seminary courses/courses focusing on the Bible?

Etc.

Let’s ask God to teach us more using the method(s) of His choice.

Read the Bible Every Day?

• Deuteronomy 4:1-49
• Psalm 40:1-5
• Proverts 10:6-8
• Luke 5:21 – 6:11

Happy OCC Shopping this month!

• Red pens
• Sewing measuring tapes
• Small cars
• Calculators
• Small dolls

Fabric Cutting for OCC

Thanks to those who have helped cut fabric for the totes we send to boys and girls. We will be scheduling another, our third, fabric cutting day soon. Pay attention to the date. Bring your fabric cutting shears or rotary cutter. Thanks for this means of helping with OCC.

Obituaries

Deacon Michael Anthony “Mike” Agnello

September 29, 1946 – April 1, 2024

A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Monday, April 1, 2024 at his home. He was born September 29, 1946 in Hammond, LA and was 77 years of age. He served in the US Army Reserves as a MP. He was Owner and Operator of Himel’s Napa Auto Parts in Amite and Kentwood. He also served as an ordained Deacon of the Catholic Church in the Diocese of Baton Rouge at St. Helena Catholic Church in Amite and St. Joseph Catholic Church in Ponchatoula. A former assistant to the director at McKneely and Vaughn Funeral Home. Recently retired as a Genealogy Assistant at the Tangipahoa Parish Library. His proudest achievement was his work with the T. Harry Williams Center at L.S.U creating Sicilian Italian Culture project. He was a 4th Degree Knights of Columbus member and served as a Chaplain. He served on many civic organizations and community boards throughout Tangipahoa Parish. He is survived by wife, Valerie M. Agnello; 1 son, Mark J. Agnello; 1 daughter, Melanie A. Johnston and husband Jason; 4 grandchildren, Anthony Agnello, Hannah Vizena, Sarah Agnello, and Hailey J. Peek and husband, Matthew; 1 great-grandchild, Adelynn Dean. Preceded in death by parents, Salvadore “Sam” Agnello and Mary Graziano Agnello; brothers, Joseph Agnello, Salvador Agnello, and Ciro Agnello. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite from 5:00PM until 8:00PM with a Vigil Service at 6:00PM on Wednesday, April 3, 2024.  Visitation from 8:30AM until 10:30AM at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite Thursday, April 4, 2024 with Funeral Mass to follow at Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church, Independence, at 11:00AM. Services conducted by Fr. Reuben Dykes. Interment Colonial Mausoleum, Independence, LA. We thank St. Tammany Hospice for their great care.  For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Frank M. Fox

April 26, 1942  –  March 31, 2024

Frank M. Fox of Gastonia, NC died peacefully on March 31, 2024, at CaroMont Regional Medical Center after a 20-year battle with Parkinson’s. He was born April 26, 1942 in Memphis, TN to the late Lowry S. Fox Sr. and Avis Smith Fox.

Frank grew up in Kentwood, LA. After graduating from Kentwood High School in 1960, he attended Louisiana State University. He would later obtain a Master of Education from Southeastern Louisiana University. Following graduation from LSU, he began his service with the US Air Force where he earned the Distinguished Flying Cross as a medal for extraordinary achievement. When stationed in Goldsboro, NC, he met his loving wife of 52 years. They settled in Kentwood where he taught at Kentwood High School before retiring and moving to North Carolina. He then worked as a mail carrier with the US Postal service until retiring to his favorite role of Paw Paw to his seven grandchildren.

Possessing a true servant’s heart, he dedicated his entire life to helping others. As a young man, nothing was more important to him than caring for his mother after they lost his father. In his twenties he focused on serving his country, moving through the ranks of the military, and completing his service as a Captain. His next years were spent dedicating everything he had to his wife and three daughters. He was an active member of First Baptist Church of Kentwood, where he served as a deacon. After moving to North Carolina, he volunteered with the American Red Cross and Parkwood Baptist Church through organizations like the Salvation Army and PCO.

A true country boy at heart, Frank spent as much time as possible outdoors.  He loved fishing, hunting, model trains, and caring for cows on his dairy farm. An avid LSU fan, he loved watching his Tigers play baseball and football.  The only thing that could keep him from his Tigers was the chance to attend any of his grandchildren’s events. He spent many hours supporting his grandchildren in their extracurricular activities. Nothing brought him more joy than watching them grow and excel.

Left to cherish his memories are his wife, Mary Alice Fox; three daughters, Lori Vail (Bob), Rebecca Backus (Aaron), and Leigh Ann Mantecon (Lito); seven grandchildren, Ellie Vail, Wes Vail, Will Backus, Lindy Sell, Henry Backus, Lito Mantecon II, and Tristan Mantecon. Additionally, he is survived by his brother, Lowry Fox Jr., his honorary brother and cousin, Rod Smith, and many nieces and nephews.

Services will be at 11 AM on Friday, April 5, 2024 at Parkwood Baptist Church. The family will receive friends from 9:30-10:45 prior to the service.

The service will be live streamed via the following link for those who are unable to attend.

LiveStream Link Below (Copy & Paste)

https://boxcast.tv/view/frank-fox-memorial-service-o9b3tui8blwnfdzwe1az

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Parkwood’s PCO or James 1:27 Fund located at 1827 Dixon Rd. Gastonia, NC 28054 or The Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, PO BOX 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5014.

Condolence messages may be made online at http://www.mcleanfuneral.com.

McLean Funeral Directors of Gastonia is serving the Fox family.

Thanks to the family for providing this link to the service. Many of us who cannot attend in person will be watching.

Thanks for reading TPL today and for allowing me to share some requests.

Anna Lee

Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.

Romans 10:17

Read the Bible

• Numbers 36:1 – Deuteronomy 1:46
• Psalm 39:1-6
• Proverbs 10:1-2
• Luke 4:22-44

Prayer Focus

Pray for all the students who are out of school this week. Pray they have a good week and can accomplish some positive things while being safe from any harm. Pray the adults in each situation use good judgment in caring for their children and/or those left in their care.

Surgeries

Wendell Simmons will be having back surgery this morning. Your prayers will be greatly appreciated.

A friend of ours will continue to have medical tests this week leading up to probable surgery. Your prayers for Sandy will also be greatly appreciated.

Death

Mary Alice Fox sent a message that Frank Fox passed away yesterday. She will let me know more when details for his service are arranged.

Missions – OCC

I was asked yesterday about some needs for OCC. At this point, we need more marbles, flashlights, and washcloths from our March list. Our April list includes: red pens, measuring tapes for sewing, cars, calculators, and small dolls. Each item you purchase helps us to be one item closer to packing a shoebox. We will be packing 450 shoeboxes this year. Your help is greatly appreciated.

Some of you have signed up to volunteer to help us work. If you have not signed up and wish to do so please let me know. We will get back to cutting fabric this month. I will let you know once I get the date cleared for the church calendar.

Missions – Annie Armstrong Offering

It is not too late to donate to the Annie Armstrong offering which will be used for mission work on the islands of the Gulf and Atlantic, Canada, and the USA. There are still many who are lost all around us.

Thank-you so much for your encouragement. Please keep encouraging those around you. You make a big difference as you encourage and pray.

Anna Lee

Robert Lowry, 1874

Verse 1
Low in the grave He lay,
Jesus my Savior,
Waiting the coming day,
Jesus my Lord!

Chorus
Up from the grave He arose,
With a mighty triumph o’er His foes,
He arose a Victor from the dark domain,
And He lives forever,
With His saints to reign.
He arose! He arose!
Hallelujah! Christ arose!

Verse 2
Vainly they watch His bed,
Jesus my Savior;
Vainly they seal the dead,
Jesus my Lord!

Chorus
Up from the grave He arose,
With a mighty triumph o’er His foes,
He arose a Victor from the dark domain,
And He lives forever,
With His saints to reign.
He arose! He arose!
Hallelujah! Christ arose!

Verse 3
Death cannot keep its Prey,
Jesus my Savior;
He tore the bars away,
Jesus my Lord!

Chorus
Up from the grave He arose,
With a mighty triumph o’er His foes,
He arose a Victor from the dark domain,
And He lives forever,
With His saints to reign.
He arose! He arose!
Hallelujah! Christ arose!

This is the song I think of first at Easter.

The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.

Matthew 28:5

Read the Bible Every Day

• Numbers 34:1 – 35:34
• Psalm 38:15-22
• Proverbs 9:16-18
• Luke 4:1-21

WHAT A GREAT DAY TO CELEBRATE, THE RESURRECTION OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOR!

“See” you tomorrow!

Anna Lee

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die;

John 11:25

Read the Bible Every Day

• March 3oth
• Numbers 33:1-6
• Psalm 38:9-14
• Proverbs 9:13-15
• Luke 3:21-38

Prayer Focus Today: Those learning of a major health issues

We have a friend who recently learned of a health concern in a method similar to Bro. Darryl. She went to the doctor for one reason and wound up with another issue, a major concern. She has a strong faith like him. Please join me in praying for “My Friend”. Pray for all the others who learn daily of serious health problems.

A Second Prayer Focus – Graduating Seniors

Please join me in praying for all the seniors who will be graduating in the coming weeks. Pray they had done their best and have great opportunities to choose from in the coming months.

Thank God for Our Opportunities

We. don’t all have the same opportunities, but we surely can thank God for the opportunities He gives us. Then, our next step is to work hard to achieve the goads we have. We can all make a good life for us and our families if we follow the path God wants us to follow.

Easter Activities for Children

• FBC, Kentwood
• Tomorrow
• 9:00 A.M. – 11:00 A.M.

Easter Services for All

FBC, Kentwood

• 8:00 A.M. – Early Worship Service
• 9:15 – Sunday School
• 10:30 – Second Worship Service
• No Evening Worship
• EVERYONE is invited to participate.

Other churches may also have an altered schedule to Easter. Contact the church office, pastor, etc. for details.

Please use your personal pray list for pray for all those around us with needs. Pray for your personal prayer needs. Pray for needs in your family, community, and church.

Have a wonderful day!

Anna Lee

“He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”

1 Peter 2:24

Read the Bible Every Day

• Numbers 32:1 – 42
• Psalm 38:11-8
• Proverbs 9:10-12
• Luke 3 ;1-20

Sunday School Class Project

Mrs. Ora Lee Wilson visited with me yesterday. We visited Keith Allen, Mrs. Velma Anthony, and Mrs. Mary Varnado. All three were such great visits. I only wish I could have made the visits the other two groups made Wednesday. We learned so much from our previous, similar project and learned even more this time.. I’m ready to go again.

Obituary

James Herndon Tycer

14, 1948 – March 27, 2024

A resident of  Montpelier, LA, passed away on Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at his home. He was born July 14, 1948 in Baton Rouge, LA and was 75 years of age. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Billie Claire Dykes Tycer; 2 daughters, Jamie Covington and husband, Todd, and Jessica Rutledge and husband, Zach; grandchildren, Hannah Covington, Porter Rutledge, and Jesse Rutledge; 2 brothers, Arthur Ray Tycer and Lindsay Tycer and wife, Donna. Preceded in death by his parents, William and Elva Mae Tycer. Visitation on Friday, March 29, 2024 at Montpelier Baptist Church from 9:00AM until 11:00AM with a graveside to follow in Montpelier Cemetery. Services conducted by Rev. Rusty Durand. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

(Herndon graduated with me from Mrs. Jackson’s kindergarten, 8th grade, and high school (AHS Class of ’66). Most children our age did not attend kindergarten, so it was easy to get to know them.)

Operation Christmas Child

Items we are collecting in April:

• Red pens
• Measuring Tapes for Sewing
• Toy cars (matchbox size)
• Calculators
• Dolls
• You can leave these items in the green tote in the hallway below the sanctuary.
• Thanks to all the classes, families, and individuals who contributed items last month!

Easter Activities at FBC, Kentwood

• Saturday
• 9 – 11 A.M.
• Ya’ll come!

Easter Services at FBC, Kentwood

• Sunday
• 8:00 – Worship
• 9:15 – Sunday School
• 10:30 – Worship

Remember, Jesus is the reason for the season!

Anna Lee

Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.

John 13:14

Read the Bible Every Day

• March 28
• Numbers 31:1-54
• Psalm 37:34-40
• Proverbs 9:7-9
• Luke 2:39-52

Death

A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Tuesday, March 26, 2024 at Hood Memorial Hospital in Amite, LA. She was born February 10, 1961 in Baton Rouge, LA and was 63 years of age. She is survived by her 3 children, LaToya Brewer Morris and husband Derrick Morris, Sr., Chaka Brewer and Bacari Long, and Will Migeal Brewer and Emily Varnado; grandchildren, Derrick Morris, Jr., Kylie Morris, Kennedi Morris and Marleigh Long; 3 brothers, Scott Brewer and wife, Sony, Todd Brewer and Becky and Corey Brewer. Preceded in death by her parents, Earl and Jo Anna Brewer; and sister, Tracey Brewer Walls. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 10:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Friday, March 29, 2024. Graveside will be held at Line Creek Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

We enjoyed some great visits yesterday as part of a Sunday School project. There were other groups visiting, so I can only tell you about the people we saw. Our visits were not limited to class members.

We visited with Andy and Betty Taylor yesterday and were so pleased to see how well he is doing. Andy requested prayer for Betty who will soon be undergoing heart tests. They both looked great. What a great visit.

Another great visit was with Margie Williams. She’s doing better after her recent breaks.

I went to see Mrs. Mickie Cade and Teri. “Miss” Mickie was deep asleep, so I visited with Terri. I had a lot ot “Catch-up” to do with her.

More visiting today!

Jesus is the reason for the Easter season!

Anna Lee

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

1 John 1:7

Read the Bible Every Day

• March 27th
• Numbers 29:1 – 30:16
• Psalm 37:27-33
• Proverbs 9:3-6
• Luke 2:21-38

Special Prayer Request

Rev. David Luce has a hip injury requiring surgery which is scheduled for today. Bro. David once served in a church in this area, but is serving west of McComb now. Please pray for him and his family.

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com

Baptist Message

https://www.baptistmessage.com/

This is a busy season for many families.

• There are special activities for the children at home, school, and church.
• School has a break.
• Families get together, often traveling many miles.
• New clothing is common in many households.
• Special meals for families and friends are served.
• Weather warms up.
• Flowers bloom.
• Special music at church
• Possibly an additional service, even a sunrise service outdoors
• Oops! Did we remember why we have a holiday?

What holiday is coming this week?

It’s Easter! Remember, Jesus is the reason for the season! All of the Easter events are good, but celebration of Jesus is the most important! Without Jesus, there would be no holiday. Consider this hymn, “Withour Him”.

Have a fantastic day!

Anna Lee

He who did not spare his own Son, but gave Him up for us all—how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?

Romans 8:3232

Read the Bible Every Day

• Numbers 27:1 – 28:31
• Psalm 37:21 – 26
• Proverbs 9:1-2
• Luke 2:1-20

Prayer Focus

Pray for people in groups.

• People who have never heard the plan of salvation
• People who have heard the plan of salvation, but not accepted it
• People who are considering salvation
• People who have rejected the plan of salvation
• People who accepted the plan of salvation, but are not living it
• People who accepted the plan of salvation and are trying to live it
• People who have strayed the the plan of salvation they have accepted
• In other words, all people, that we/they live life as God wants us to live

If you have children in your family, you can contact the First Baptist Church office at 229-8111 about the activities planned for children Saturday.

I appreciate all of you who read TPL daily and especially those who tell others about reading.

Anna Lee